MAIN Travel USA Ohio

FUN FACT: Ohio boasts a record number of U.S. presidents born or reared in Ohio than in any other state (earning the nickname, “The Mother of Presidents") with presidential boyhood homes in Ohio figuring prominently in the state's multi-billion dollar travel industry.

Other top tourist draws include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the Pro Football Hall of Fame at Canton, and the 33,000 acre Cuyahoga Valley National Park between Cleveland and Akron.

Summer also brings visitors by the thousands to one of America's top theme parks, Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky featuring 17 (count 'em) roller coasters and top-rated water rides.

Top tourist attractions in Ohio include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland (left);
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (middle); and Cedar Park Amusement Park in Sandusky (right).

At any time of year, major cultural attractions found throughout the state include the Cincinnati Museum Center that encompasses local history, a science center, and an interactive kids' museum. More family-friendly attractions in town include the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden featuring a 4D theater (3D films with wind, mist and other effects that will wow kids of all ages.)

If traveling through the north central part of Ohio, also don't miss a visit to Amish country in Berlin (the largest Amish population in the US) where the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center will get you up to speed on local life and culture.

2024 Ohio Events & Festivals

The Inkcarceration Musis & Tattoo Festival in july takes place at the historic Ohio State Reformatory, backdrop to the 1994 film "Shawshank Redemption."

Just up ahead, check out our 2024 Ohio travel calender featuring memorable events and major festivals happening throughout the state with dates, locations and official links for more information.

Happy travels!

May 25 - May 26, 2024 -- Asian Festival Columbus - Thrill to dragon boat races, ping pong tournaments and more along with food vendors, craft demonstrations, music and dancing.

May 25 - May 27, 2024 -- Taste Of Cincinnati Cincinnati - Smple the best that Cincinnatti has to offer with local restaurants and food trucks in attendance, along with music concerts and libations on a fine spring weekend.

June 6 – 8, 2024 Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival, Coshocton - There are photo opportunities galore with hot air balloon launches and evening fireworks displays along with food vendors, kiddie rides, craft booths, and live musical entertainment.

July 19 - July 21, 2024 -- INKCARCERATION Music and Tattoo Festival Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield - You are hereby sentenced to a fun weekend of music concerts, food and drink vendors, and lots of atmosphere within the walls of the historic state reformatory.

July 25 - July 27, 2024 -- Cincinnati Music Festival Cincinnati - Enjoy he best of black music and culture featuring top name singers, rappers, and jazz musicians along with food and merch at Paycor Stadium along the Ohio Riverfront.

August 2 - August 4, 2024 -- Dublin Irish Festival Dublin - Everybody's Irish at this summer fling featuring hundreds of music performances by Irish and American bands plus Irish dancers, storytelling, hands-on workshops, food, drink, and Irish merch on sale.

also see ->  This Christmas in Ohio   |    Ohio Fall Foliage Guide

Ohio Lakes & Beaches Guide   |   Ohio Wineries & Vineyards

DID YOU KNOW? Ohio Travel Fun Facts

A tiskit, a tasket, a really big basket.

• Famous people born in Ohio include director Steven Spielberg, actors Paul Newman and Clark Gable, and astronaut Neil Armstrong.

• Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati is the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the US and the second largest in the world after Munich.

• Ohio is the original home of Lifesavers candy, Teflon, Gorilla Glue, Samuel Adams beer, the Tommy gun, and the nation's first baseball team - the Cincinnati Reds organized in 1869.

• First sighted along the shores of Sandusky, “Bessie” is a giant serpent that reportedly lives in Lake Erie.

• Ohio holds the record for the world’s largest basket (photo, above right), the Longaberger Company headquarters building in Newark. It is seven stories high.

More about Ohio travel & tourism around the Web:

Ohio Traveler - Check out state-wide tourism news, travel feature stories, seasonal attractions, photos and more.

Cleveland Ohio Visitors Guide - The TripSavvy guide to all things Cleveland with information on what else to do and see, hotel & restaurant suggestions, neighborhood guides, maps, directions.

Greater Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau - Hotels & restaurants, major & nearby attractions, current & upcoming events, interactive maps, weather information.

Columbus, Ohio Travel Guide - Lots of color and Flash at this, the official Columbus travel site featuring major attractions, online hotel booking, entertainment events, interactive maps.

Akron/Summit Visitors Bureau - Complete information on major & nearby attractions, hotels & restaurants, maps, directions, city services, pictures & video tour.